Size
Based on gross tonnage and length
Capacity
Based on passengers and crew
Modernity
Based on year built
Service
Based on passenger-to-crew ratio (lower is better)
Spaciousness
Based on gross tonnage per passenger (higher is better)
L'Austral
Le Louis Bleriot
Gross Tonnage
L'Austral
10,944 GT
Le Louis Bleriot
10,000 GT
Length
L'Austral
142 m
Le Louis Bleriot
131 m
Beam
L'Austral
18 m
Le Louis Bleriot
18 m
Passengers
L'Austral
264
Le Louis Bleriot
184
Crew
L'Austral
140
Le Louis Bleriot
110
Decks
L'Austral
—
Le Louis Bleriot
—
Year Built
L'Austral
2,011
Le Louis Bleriot
2,025
Space Ratio
L'Austral
41.5 GT/pax
Le Louis Bleriot
54.4 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
L'Austral
1.89 :1
Le Louis Bleriot
1.67 :1
| Specification | L'Austral | Le Louis Bleriot |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Ponant | Ponant |
| Class | Boréal Class | Explorer Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,011 | 2,025Winner |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 10,944 GTWinner | 10,000 GT |
| Length | 142 mWinner | 131 m |
| Beam | 18 m | 18 m |
| Draft | ||
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 264Winner | 184 |
| Crew | 140Winner | 110 |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 41.5 GT/pax | 54.4 GT/paxWinner |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 1.89:1 | 1.67:1Winner |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Fincantieri | VARD |
| Flag | France | France |
| IMO Number | 9502506 | 9829600 |
L'Austral is the larger vessel at 10,944 GT — 9% more than Le Louis Bleriot's 10,000 GT. Le Louis Bleriot offers more personal space with a space ratio of 54.4 GT per passenger versus 41.5. Built in 2025, Le Louis Bleriot is 14 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | L'Austral |
| Capacity | L'Austral |
| Modernity | Le Louis Bleriot |
| Service | Le Louis Bleriot |
| Spaciousness | Le Louis Bleriot |
Bottom line: Le Louis Bleriot wins more categories (3 vs 2), making it the stronger all-round choice based on current data.
L'Austral
41 GT/pax means plenty of quiet space
1.9:1 passenger-crew ratio means exceptional service
Well-suited for cruise newcomers
Good range of onboard options
Le Louis Bleriot
54 GT/pax means plenty of quiet space
1.7:1 passenger-crew ratio means exceptional service
Built in 2025 with modern facilities — great for a first cruise
Good range of onboard options
Free cancellation on most rooms
Bundle & save on your cruise trip
Medical, trip cancellation & luggage cover
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| Decks | — | — |
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